Akpeyi Replies His Critics

The 34-year-old has been criticised continuously by Nigerian fans but says he’s mentally strong to deal with the trolls and critics

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi, has revealed his mental strength has kept him going despite the criticism he has received from Nigerians.

The Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper made his debut for Nigeria in 2015 and has featured 16 times for the country.

Although Akpeyi has been a reserve goalkeeper for most of his international career, he was the country’s number one at the 2019 Africa cup of Nations in Egypt.

While Nigeria finished third in the competition, Akpeyi’s performance was called into questioning with many blaming him for the Super Eagles loss to Algeria in the semi-finals.  He has also been criticised for not instilling confidence to his backline as he is always jittery.

But speaking in a recent interview with ESPN, Akpeyi revealed he doesn’t let the critics bother him, and his mental strength keeps him going.

“What helps me is my mental strength,” Akpeyi told ESPN.

“I really don’t follow the news about what is going on, especially when it comes to soccer from Africa and this part of the world.

“Thank God I grew up with a mentor who taught me how to be mentally strong. With all I have learnt from my mentor, I can’t give up on myself. I am not going to prove a point to anybody, I only have to prove a point to myself that whatever I have been trained with actually works,” Akpeyi added.